The control over Hatlah Tahtani plays an important role in the ongoing standoff for Saqr Island east of Deir Ezzor. This island is a key position that government forces are seeking to retake from ISIS in order to tighten siege on ISIS units in the northern part of Deir Ezzor city.

The SAA also attempted to advance against ISIS near Khusham, but failed to achieve any gains.

Meanwhile, the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) continued clashing with ISIS terrorists in the area of al-Suwar northeast of Deir Ezzor city.

On September 26, the SDF entered al-Suwar and pro-SDF sources declared it liberated. However, on September 27, the fighting was still ongoing in the area.

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Summing up the recent developments, it’s clear that the both Syrian-Iranian-Russian alliance and US-led coalition are working to expand its striking forces in Deir Ezzor province ahead of a large push towards the border with Iraq.

At the same time, the SAA is conducting major efforts to isolate ISIS in the northern part of Deir Ezzor and to liberate the entire city.